Rednose day football

The Rednose Day team

Hi there,

It has been a busy week, and so only just had a chance to post this. Anyway for Rednose Day, Redhill Juniors had a sponsered football match and here is the report and pictures. For any petrolheads out there, further down the blog is a few pix of the launch of this years BTCC, firstApril race 4th april at Brands hatch.

Report Declan O'Donovan

On Saturday 14th March a number of the Redhill teams got together to hold a pyjama match to raise money for the Red Nose Charity. Players and parents from the U8’s, U9’s, U12’s, U13’s and U14’s gathered for the event with Martin Brownjohn officiating. Although the game started between the two older teams and a couple of mums, it wasn’t long before a flurry of substitutions saw the younger players enter the fray. The game was pretty even but by half time the greens were ahead by two goals from Bradley O’Connor (U12) and Jack Stevens (U12). With so many players on the pitch the ref had his work cut out so he cut the odds with a regular flash of the red card. Under 14’s Coach Adrian Steventon was sent off at the start of the second half for wearing an unflattering nightie. Ben Senior (U9) and Elliott Steventon (U14) equalled the scores for the reds but it wasn’t long before Charlie Case Green (U9) went on a skilful run beating the two mums, Kaye and Paula (U45), to take the lead once more for the greens. Just Before the final whistle Michael Lawrence (U14) managed to equalise for a well deserved draw. Deirdre Heinrich won best outfit for the day for her jammies and curlers. The event was a great success and Redhill Juniors have managed to collect over £400 for this worthy cause.

Redhill Albion Vs Carshalton

Report Gary Stevens
Carshalton 1 - Redhill Albion 3 - Under 9’s

Carshalton were still seeking their first points during this clash, and they put up a fine display in the first half which ended at 1 – 1. Redhill, yet again, coming from a goal down.

This particular away (with full credit to Carshalton) fixture was a lot tougher than anticipated. It was only the determination and skill shown by the Redhill lads that maintained a winning streak.

The first half seemed a tad flat compared the usual approach by Redhill, however this was fully rectified in the second half with shots being fired at the Carshalton goal from all angles; one particular shot actually running along the face of the crossbar from the most acute angle.

The Carshalton woodwork was peppered right from the off and lead to some incredible, possibly ‘outrageous’ skill; Senior’s attempt at a mid-air scissor kick being nothing short of sensational.

The goals this week came from Meldrum, Senior and Sowton with some very strong performances coming from defence and midfield. It must be said, this young side are not afraid to start an attack in their own half.

BTCC test Day at Rockingham

I have been having some fun this week, shooting some PR pictures for a well known quick fit retailer who sponser the British Touring car Championships, which kicks off on the 4th April at Brands Hatch.

If you want to see a slide show of some of myimages please click on the link below

http://www.mcgimages.co.uk/ss/?skin=509&ppwd=pr5849ms&Action=S&id=25460650&on_exit=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcgimages.co.uk%2F

Hi again,

Sorry for delay this week, but here is the report in the end.

Report Gary Stevens

Redhill Albion 3 – Chipstead B 1 - Under 9’s

Winning ways were maintained during this weekend, beating a determined Chipstead side. This was a hurdle very well negotiated indeed.

With goals reigning in from all parts last week (with particular reference to Robins Lewer’s first goal for The Albion) the spectators and coaching staff are becoming ever more expectant of success. This particular home fixture (trailing one – nil in the first half) was tougher than anticipated.

The previous week’s hustle and bustle was unfortunately missing this week; one thing ever present however is the lad’s relentless inability to accept defeat. Coming back from one – nil to a convincing win is inconceivable from a troupe of players of this age-group.

This game didn’t flow as usual, and it would be fair to say it was one of those battles that provided little flair. I think the media usually call this type of game “winning ugly”.

Strong and driven performances rather like James Smarts of this week are going to be vital in the run up to the end of the season. A top two position is certainly within the grasp of Redhill Albion.

And I thought that football was a non contact sports

The feminine touch

Albion Vs Hamsey Green

Unfortunately I wasn't around last weekend so there are no pix from the match.

But Gary Stevens was around and here is his report.

Redhill Albion 0 – Barnet Wood 1 - Under 9’s

Following recent home win against Otford (3 – 0) Redhill found themselves in second place with Barnet Wood chasing hard in third place. Playing Barnet Wood at home would be a challenging and pivotal encounter.

As expected, these two teams challenged hard but fair, and for the majority of the match there was little or nothing between them. Redhill started brightly with a number of shots on target by Stevens and Senior. Barnet Wood however would not be broken and remained unshakable with the first half ending nil – nil.

This match had a great intensity about it and the supporters had the pleasure of witnessing an incredibly exciting battle. Unfortunately Barnet Wood scrambled a goal with 10 minutes to go and left Redhill with the challenge of getting one back. Redhill responded (as ever) with the determined spirit embedded by the coaching staff, with most shots somehow finding the Barnet keeper! The game ended at 1 – 0.

As always, O’Donovan showed his true captain status by remaining calm and resolute from start to finish. His probing runs down the wing provided many opportunities; sadly they didn’t quite get converted.
Lad of the match the previous week went to Stevens for his continual improvement. This week’s lad of the match was presented to Sowton for his flexible and capable play. His ability to play in almost any position is a credit to him.

This week we played Hamsey Green and again Gary Stevens reporting

Hamsey Rangers 0 – Redhill Albion 6 - Under 9’s

The race to the finish of the Under 9’s league is truly hotting up. Last weeks clash with Barnet Wood has left the second place spot wide open. All the more reason the lads got back into their usual ‘Modus Operandi’.

This week’s team performance proved to be one of the finest of the season, all squad members giving their full attention to the mission in hand, ‘Winning against Hamsey’.

Incredibly, the 6 Redhill goals came from 6 of the lads (Senior, Stevens, Hickman, Smart, O’Donovan, Sowton), a true team effort! The team spirit and common goal being was self evident.

From the very first whistle, Redhill were in complete control and played with a flow that permitted some seriously high quality football. Interplay, is word regularly used when describing the nature of this Redhill team, this match being no exception. Playing the ball from defence through midfield and linking with the forwards was common place, a very commanding performance indeed.

The Redhill squad is growing in size and stature, and I for one am impressed by the coaching staff’s approach to integration of the incoming players. This growth will stand the team in very good stead for the future.
The game was played (as is the norm) in a very fair manner. The Barclays Premiership could learn a thing or two from these impressionable youngsters.
Lad of the match this week was presented to Ryan O’Donovan. Quiet confidence simply oozes from him.